Adult creators and performers experience a variety of challenges on the job, from long camming sessions and difficult clients to heavy and demanding workdays on set. Problems like these can cause significant physical and mental strain — sometimes enough to make you feel pushed right to your edge. That’s why it’s so important to make your mental and physical health a priority. Your well-being matters because you matter, and it is also crucial for enabling you to work effectively and efficiently.
Here are some practical and accessible strategies to help performers and creators mitigate stress and provide much-needed aftercare for the mind and body.
Looking out for yourself and your needs is often easier said than done, especially for those with hectic schedules.
Post-Performance Aftercare
There are a number of steps you can take immediately after streaming or shooting, in order to re-center yourself and ease the transition from “performance” mode.
- Hydrate and eat. Shooting or streaming can take a lot out of a person physically, so it’s important to refuel and hydrate. Even if it’s just a little protein snack and some water, replenishing your system can really help you to rebound. Always keep water nearby during long streaming sessions.
- Stretch and shower. Even if your body got a full workout during your performance, some slow and mindful stretching can aid in slowing the heart rate and relaxing the body. Then, either a quick rinse or a full scrub can offer a refreshing physical reset to help you shake off the work mindset.
- Mentally reset. Now that you’ve done some physical aftercare, it’s time to do some things that help you shift out of the performance headspace and the need to be “on.” It’s not uncommon to experience a dopamine dip, or what some call “post-performance blues,” after performing or attending an expo, and it’s important to acknowledge and address those feelings. Watch a favorite TV show, play a video game, listen to music or indulge in a hobby. Activities like word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles can offer a mental break from all the screens and bright lights you have to deal with at work. If you’re feeling especially stressed, consider reaching out to friends for conversation and support.
Daily and Long-Term Aftercare Goals
Although we use the term “aftercare,” true self-care for performers and creators is an ongoing process that starts even before the streaming or shooting day begins. Looking out for yourself and your needs is often easier said than done, especially for those with hectic schedules. However, there are various simple activities you can incorporate into your regular habits to ensure a more balanced and sustainable lifestyle.
- Meditate. Try starting and ending each day with a short meditation session. There are many free guided meditation resources available online, as well as apps. Meditating is a great tool for setting positive intentions for a productive day with less stress, and closing the day with thankfulness and mindfulness.
- Get enough sleep. Try to eliminate sleep distractions. If your bedroom doubles as your cam room or studio, consider covering televisions or monitors with a sheet. Start dimming the lights at least 30 minutes before bed. Minimizing screen time can help prepare the brain for rest, and is also good for eye health.
- Keep a journal. Putting pen to paper can help you release frustrations and let go of worrying thoughts. This is an excellent way to clear the mind before going to bed, or to set yourself up for success in the day ahead. Morning journaling can include goal lists or gratitude statements. Night journaling can be a ritual of thankfulness and reaffirmation, recognizing the struggles you’ve already overcome in your career.
- Breathing exercises. Whether done upon waking or before bed, breathing exercises can help deescalate tension during times of stress, including while streaming or on set. Every creator or performer deals with stress, and sometimes simply breathing through such moments is what’s needed to navigate them.
- Practice yoga. For many people, yoga is a wonderful way not only to remain flexible and limber, but also to draw your focus back in on yourself after streaming or shooting, allowing you to decompress. There may be free yoga classes in your area, and there are plenty online.
- Stay connected. For performers and creators who have to spend a lot of time on social media, it is easy to let that serve as their sole source of socializing. While networking within the sex work community is helpful as a source of support and information, it’s also important to be social in ways that have nothing to do with work. Whether that means joining a book club, sports team or gaming group, getting out into your community and meeting people is a great way to relax and can do a lot for your mental health.
Shooting and streaming can place a lot of strain on a creator or performer, but incorporating some of the suggestions above into your routine will help you bounce back so that you can be your best professional self — and your happiest, healthiest self.
Sara Star is a plus-size performer and certified sexpert with nearly 15 years in the adult industry. Her links are available at linktr.ee/sarastarbbw.
